After a recent hospital stay, however, the pain has subsided — without surgery or medication — and she attributes that to prayer.

“I know it was prayer,” she said. “I haven’t used a wheelchair, walker or even a heating pad since I cam home.”

In memory of her mother-in-law, Susan Seidenberg, Kathy founded her ministry at Blessed John XXIII church to help sick people in need.

Her mother-in-law, who she called “Mom,” received a prayer blanket from a ministry at her church in New York and as her health began to decline, the blanket was her constant companion.

When Susan Seidenberg died in December 2011, her prayer blanket was buried with her.

Although Kathy is Catholic, she emphasizes that the group serves anyone who is terminally ill anywhere — regardless of religion or ethnicity.

At the home she shares with her husband, Bob, Kathy keeps her prayer blanket inventory neatly organized.

There is a big loft devoted exclusively to all things yarn. She estimates there are about 50 blankets and shawls on each of four shelves lining a wall — a total of 200 in stock.

Advertisement

Yarn skeins are stacked according to color on their own shelves.

They also make hats for tiny premature babies.

For Kathy, it’s all about giving and helping others wrap themselves in comfort. She and her husband are funding the materials, and even discounted yarns have totaled $400-$500 per month.

The Seidenbergs were active before Kathy’s illnesses. She taught martial arts for 12 years; and they both volunteered with the forest service, working at Morton Peak as fire lookouts for the San Bernardino Fire Association and as volunteer rangers for San Gorgonio Wilderness Foundation.

Kathy says the goal of the ministry is to stitch yarn into these gifts for others, asking that God’s love be woven into the yarn being used so the person can find warmth, healing and comfort in the gift.

To make a donation of acrylic yarn or for more information, call the Seidenbergs at 909-820-7557.

And here’s a thought for the day: Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn’t.